1000 Podcasters

Bryan Entzminger

I’m a podcast host and editor, and I want to help you launch your podcast. You don’t have to go it alone or be afraid of making mistakes. We all make them, but we can learn from each other along the way. My goal is to help you get started on your own podcast journey by sharing what I've learned over the last 5 years hosting my own show, interviewing hundreds of guests, growing as a host and editor, developing systems and processes for myself (and now others), and beginning to share what I've learned with others who are just getting started in this space. You'll learn from someone who has been where you are now - someone who has learned what works best for them in their process of launching a podcast and growing an audience around that show. You'll learn about tools that have helped me grow my show over time as well as tips on how to get started with your first episode today! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy read less
TechnologyTechnology

Episodes

What kind of computer should I get for podcasting? - 1KP0095
Jan 17 2020
What kind of computer should I get for podcasting? - 1KP0095
There are so many questions to answer when starting a podcast but some of them come up again and again throughout the lives of our shows. We start with, “What’s the best hosting company?” and “What’s the best microphone?”  But if we stay at it long enough, we also ask the question, “What’s the best computer?” or “What should I look for in a computer?” I recently helped Steven Brittingham of the Hollywood and Beyond Podcast with that question and I’m going to share with you what I shared with him. No, I’m not going to tell you that you should go get the new cheese grater Mac Pro (they look great, though). I’m not even going to tell you what brand or operating system you should get. Because those things can change based on your needs and what’s available. Instead, I’m going to share with you how to determine the bare minimum that you need as well as the priorities I use when choosing what to invest in when I’m going to buy a computer. I might even share with you how I’ve sometimes saved some money when buying a computer. Here’s the original question from Steven: I am interested in finding a Windows laptop that can be used for recording/editing/researching for my podcast. The idea of more freedom is appealing and I feel extra beneficial as well. I am concerned about purchasing a laptop that would not fully meet all of my audio needs or expectations. I realize memory/ram is important, as is speed and storage. There are so many different options. I have researched online about laptops for podcasting, but still feel uncertain. Do you have any suggestions or at the very least are there certain specs that are absolutely needed for high quality results? I am willing to pay for a high end unit, but I also seek out a fair and good value. A laptop that doesn't make a lot of noise is important too. Any suggestions is appreciated! Listen to discover what I shared with Steven. In addition to being a podcast host, he’s also an actor and writer. As a host he always strive for "Meaningful Interviews". He’s have been on hiatus but a lot of new episodes on the way soon. Including a new show website! My show is on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, iHeartradio, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn and more.  Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/95https://hollywoodandbeyond.podbean.com/Video on YouTubeVideo on FacebookLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
How a stereo plug ruined a podcast episode - 1KP0093
Jan 8 2020
How a stereo plug ruined a podcast episode - 1KP0093
A few months ago I shared a little about an audio issue I’d been able to help troubleshoot for another podcaster and I mentioned that I might come back and share exactly what was happening and why it happened, as well as how to fix it. Do you know what happened? I forgot to come back and share that so I’m going to do that today. Here’s the scenario - a podcaster finished and published her episode. Everything sounded fine on her headphones and computer speakers. But then people started contacting her to let her know they couldn’t hear one of the participants. She went back and confirmed that everything was in the original recording. Then she went and looked at the final file to make sure that there wasn’t a bunch of silence because the track had been muted. Everything looked fine. But when she listened on her phone, she couldn’t hear that other person either. If you can guess what happened, share it in the comments. Otherwise, let’s get into this because it’s going to get a little nerdy today. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/93Video: https://youtu.be/1zos6jSq0-ALeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
What should I do if my podcast guest misses their interview? - 1KP0092
Dec 25 2019
What should I do if my podcast guest misses their interview? - 1KP0092
I have a few things for you today. It’s Christmas Eve in the US and I’d like to leave you with a couple of things. First, an answer to the question: should I let guests reschedule? I also have video to share with you and a little listener feedback. What to do if you’re blown off If you’ve had guests on your show for a while, it’s likely you’ve already faced this. If not, it’s almost inevitable. You get a guest bookedYou prepare and researchYou send them all the info they needYou get ready to recordThey never show up If this has happened to you, you know it’s not fun. But what do you do next? Listen as I share four things you could consider, as well as what I do. How To Video There was a question in our Hindenburg users group on FB (hindyusers.com): How do I remove the in and out markers if I want to make an edit. I answered that with a video. Listener Feedback A few days ago I asked about your plans for 2020. Tom Hailey (@tomhailey) shared that he’s launching a podcast in February, 2020. The trailer’s up already, so you can check it out at bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com. I’m told it’s still under construction, so proceed with caution.  Tom will be sharing interesting places, people, and activities in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Check it out. What about you? If you don’t already have a plan for when (not if) a guest misses their interview, there’s no time like now to come up with something. Whether you already have a plan or are creating a plan, let me know. I’m @TopTierAudio on Twitter. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/92https://hindyusers.com How to Remove In & Out Points in Hindenburg Bluegrass Region Voices and ViewsLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
What will you do with your podcast in 2020? - 1KP0091
Dec 21 2019
What will you do with your podcast in 2020? - 1KP0091
I had a consultation earlier today (I mean REALLY early) with another podcaster. He was wanting to make sure that he was using Hindenburg and some plugins as best he could - some iZotope products and a Waves plugin. It was a real delight to talk with him about what he’s doing, to go through the workflow, and to offer a few (and I mean just a few) tips or suggestions. It’s just so fun to see a podcaster doing well. I’d like to do more of that, which got me thinking about this past year and what I’d like to see in the year to come. Today I’m going to share some of the incredible things I’ve been able to do and a couple of tweaks I’d like to make for next year. And, I’d like to hear from you: First, what are you planning for next year? Tweet me (@TopTierAudio) to let me know.Second, as I plan for another series early in next year, what would you like to hear more of? Send an email or a voicemail to let me know. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/91Just PodcastingPodcast Engineering Show Start to Finish PodcastingLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
What a first grade Christmas play can teach us about podcasts and background noise - 1KP0090
Dec 20 2019
What a first grade Christmas play can teach us about podcasts and background noise - 1KP0090
Elementary school Christmas plays (or holiday pageants) are an interesting experience. In reality, you’re probably only there to see YOUR kids do their thing. But the reality is that you’re often unable to hear them for a reason that afflicts many podcasts, too. Signal to noise ratio. It’s one of the things I often talk with podcasters about when I’m consulting or even when I’m sharing strategies and insights in groups. I might not call it that and I might not go into all of the details. But it’s one of the things that is often overlooked and it can make a HUGE difference. In fact, many times the production questions we see are REALLY about signal to noise ratio. I have this recording and there’s something off. How do I fix it for my podcast?What’s the best podcasting microphone?How close do I need to be to the microphone?How do I get rid of the popping P (plosive) sounds?How many microphones do I need to use to record a panel discussion? In many ways, those questions are really about signal to noise ratio (and not making your editor crazy) and I’m going to illustrate three underlying issues (kinds of noise) and one fix today using my son’s Christmas play at school. Why am I such a stickler about this (I know I’ve talked about it before). Well, because you can’t control the listening environment because everybody’s listening by themselves. They’re inviting you into their daily experience and that comes with noise. So it’s all the more important that we minimize the noise in our delivery (things about our styles that make it hard to hear or understand), the noise in the recording environment (echo / room reverb, fan noise, neighbors mowing the yard, dogs barking), and that we do what we can to amplify or point a sonic spotlight on the most important parts - typically the dialog. Here’s your action:  Go back to an episode you published a month or two ago and listen again for the three things you can control - your delivery, your recording environment, and what you do to highlight what’s most important. Are there any adjustments you’d like to make moving forward? Let me know what you’re planning to do. Hit me up on Twitter (@TopTierAudio). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/90Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
What road construction can teach us about podcast subscribers - 1KP0089
Dec 18 2019
What road construction can teach us about podcast subscribers - 1KP0089
Today as I was riding to work, I had a road construction experience that made me think about getting getting people subscribed to our shows.More subscribers. We all want more subscribers for our podcasts. There are all kinds of strategies out there for getting more subscribers.But here’s the problem: most of them are focused on the benefits for the PODCASTER.If we’re really serving our audiences, we’ll be focused on ways to serve them and some of the common strategies don’t serve them well and where I think we can find the sweet spot.To illustrate how this can work, I’m going to share a little about my commute this morning.https://youtu.be/gLeKwA-QMaAI'll share my thoughts on:The "just one link" strategyThe "just one link with redirects" (the smart link) strategyThe smorgasbord approachThe McDonald's Fries approachWhat about you?What does your subscribe page look like? Tweet it to me at @TopTierAudio. And if you’d like to take a look at mine to get some inspiration, you’ll find it at toptieraudio.com/subscribe.Resources MentionedFull Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/89Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the showSubscribe for Free!Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available.https://1000Podcasters.comWant to set up a consultation?Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Tools of the trade for a podcaster and podcast editor - 1KP0082
Dec 1 2019
Tools of the trade for a podcaster and podcast editor - 1KP0082
“What’s the best podcast microphone?” is asked so often that it’s almost a meme in the various podcasting groups on Facebook. And the similar question, “What software should I use?” could be a meme all its own. However, they’re still valid questions. Today I’m sharing the tools I use in my workflow as a podcaster and as a podcaster. Since I’m in the studio and this show is just me, I’ll focus on that. Listen to discover: What microphone I useWhat interface I’m usingMy headphones and headphone ampWhat speakers I’m usingWhat software I use to editHow I remove mouth clicks, popping Ps, and what the EQ and compression do to my voiceSome of my favorite stand-alone programs and plugins  What about you? What are your favorite tools for podcasting or editing? Hit me up in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/82). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/82 Re-Pop Pop FilterElectro-Voice RE320 (commission)Auray SSM-BC10 (commission) Auray BAI-2XRolls MS111 (commission)Sound Devices MixPre-3 (commission)Hindenburg Journalist ProiZotope RX7 AdvancediZotope Ozone 8 Advanced (new version is 9) Scheps Omni Channel Vocal RiderAKG HP12U (commission)Audio Technica ATH-M30 (commission)Alesis M1 Active MK3 (commission)Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and...
Mobile podcasting: did the experiment work? - 1KP0081
Nov 30 2019
Mobile podcasting: did the experiment work? - 1KP0081
Have you ever run an experiment that didn’t turn out exactly as planned? I have - and yesterday’s episode (https://toptieraudio.com/80) didn’t go quite as well as I’d hoped. The audio was good but I was confusing with the content and it was a little harder to produce than I’d hoped. I received a few follow-up questions (thanks Harry) that I am answering today. Listen to discover What went well and what didn’t with yesterday’s podcast experimentWhat I think Hindenburg Field Recorder is good forWhat I was using Backpack Studio, Ferrite, and Auphonic forWhy I don’t have answers for Android users and why I’d like toWhether Auphonic is needed with working in Hindenburg Journalist Pro What about you? Have you ever run an experiment that didn’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped. Hit me up on email (bryan@toptieraudio.com) and share your story. And if you have questions or topic suggestions, let me know. Email me (bryan@toptieraudio.com). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/81Yesterday's Episode: https://toptieraudio.com/80Shure MV88 (affiliate)Backpack Studio (affiliate) Ferrite Recording Studio (affiliate)Auphonic Hindenburg Field Recorder (affiliate)Hindenburg Journalist ProlibsynSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
My podcasting prediction for 2020 - 1KP0078
Nov 27 2019
My podcasting prediction for 2020 - 1KP0078
A lot of people spend time wondering what the next month or year will bring. Today I’m going to share my 2020 prediction for YOU. Earlier this week I was listening to Better Podcasting (a podcast about podcasting for hobby podcasters) and they challenged me and the rest of their audience to pick something that we will focus on in our shows for 2020. I’m still working on that, but it got me thinking about retrospectives and goals and predictions. Listen to discover: Why goals are importantWhat changes I am thinking about for the Engaging Missions ShowWhere I’m planning to focus my energyWhat I’m doing now to prepare for next yearWhy our internal predictions may be as important as the goalsWhat I predict about the next year for you (it’ll be a good challenge) What are you going to change in 2020? What are you going to focus on? Let me know in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/78).  Resources Mentioned Full Episode Notes: https://toptieraudio.com/78Engaging Missions ShowBetter Podcasting30 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeNational Podcast Post MonthSubscribe to this show@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebook: https://m.me/TopTierAudioEmail: bryan@toptieraudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy